Francois-Michel le Tellier

Francois-Michel le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois (18 January 1641-16 July 1691), also known simply as Louvois, was Secretary of State for War of the Kingdom of France from 24 February 1662 to 16 July 1691, succeeding Michel Le Tellier and preceding Louis Francois Marie Le Tellier.

Biography
Francois-Michel le Tellier was born in Paris, France on 18 January 1641, the son of Michel Le Tellier. In 1662, he succeeded his father as Secretary of War of the Kingdom of France, and he devoted himself to organizing the French Army after the War of Devolution. From 1668 to 1672, he recruited soldiers for King Louis XIV of France's army, and he played a key role in preparing the army for the Franco-Dutch War and in revoking the Edict of Nantes. He was one of the greatest war ministers in French history, and he served as Secretary of War, First Minister of State, and commander of the Maison du Roi until his death in 1691. He died of apoplexy, but poison was suspected.